Pianist

Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, began his musical studies at an early age with Alla Epelbaum at The Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula. He later enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens before attending The Juilliard School, where he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He later pursued further education in Christian Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Eytan Schillinger-Hyman is an accomplished bassist and composer based in New York City, renowned for his proficiency on both upright and electric bass. Eytan is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School, with a Master’s degree in Jazz Bass Performance, where he studied under the mentorship of jazz virtuosos Gerald Cannon, Ron Carter, Ben Wolfe, Donald Vega and Billy Drummond. With a vibrant career that spans the jazz scenes of New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, Eytan has performed at renowned venues and festivals including BlueNote NYC, Dizzy’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ, The Anthem DC (opening for Lalah Hathaway), Smalls, The Jazz Cruise, and The Monterey Jazz Festival, among many others. He plays for Matthew Whitaker and Langston Hughes II and has performed with acclaimed musicians such as Quincy Phillips, Mike King, Christopher McBride, Lawrence Fields and more. He also holds dual degrees in Jazz Bass Performance and Sociology from Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he studied and collaborated with jazz legends such as Billy Hart, Gary Bartz, and Eddie Henderson.

David Alvarez III is a jazz drummer, composer, arranger, and educator. Introduced to the drum set at age five, he developed his foundation playing in church. His formal jazz education began at age nine in Michigan through The Arts League of Michigan summer program. For eight years, he was an integral part of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensemble jazz program, where professors and students from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University mentored him.

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

Maverick Concert Hall

Isaiah J. Thompson is the winner of the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz of the American Pianists Association. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, the pianist, bandleader and composer began studying at The Calderone School of Music from an early age. Soon after, Isaiah continued his studies with Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens and was later admitted to The Juilliard School graduating with both his Bachelor’s in 2019 and Master’s of Music degrees in 2020.

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Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet: A Guaraldi Holiday

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Known for “state-of-the-art jazz” (Jazziz), pianist Isaiah J. Thompson is “a young musician and composer with a mature touch and rare combination of talent, creativity, humility and honesty,” says NPR. Isaiah J. Thompson’s recording debut was on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader, including his most recent, A Guaraldi Holiday.

Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The American Pianists Association nurtures the artistic growth of America’s top young pianists by focusing on creative expression and career development. Its mission serves to “discover, promote, and advance the careers of young, American, world-class jazz and classical pianists.” Dizzy's Club welcomes 2023 APA winner Isaiah J. Thompson. Expect an evening of new and artful arrangements of standard tunes.

Apa: Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Isaiah J. Thompson is the 2023 Cole Porter Fellow with the American Pianists Association. Thompson has performed with many acclaimed jazz artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Buster Williams. As a performer, he focuses on emitting love, spirit and respect, and conveying his own experiences and his everlasting love of jazz.

Noon30: Isaiah J. Thompson Duo

Trustees' Garden

Warren Wolf & Wolfpack: History of the Vibes / Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet

Experience the enchanting melodies of Broadway and the silver screen with the John Pizzarelli Trio at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. This special performance, titled "John Pizzarelli Trio Stage & Screen," is scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8:00 pm. The show promises a journey through the musical landscapes of nearly every decade from the 1920s to the present day, offering a rich tapestry of musical discovery for all who attend.

John Pizzarelli, a master of the jazz guitar, leads his new trio with Michael Karn on bass and Isaiah J. Thompson on piano, delivering performances that have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of swinging jazz. This event is not just a concert; it's an exploration of the iconic tunes that have defined generations, performed by an ensemble renowned for their skill and passion for music.

Ticket prices for this unforgettable evening range from $39 for limited upper balcony seating to $89 for premium seats, with discounts available for Mahaiwe members and youth. Members can enjoy a $5 discount on each ticket, and special pricing is available for individuals aged 30 and under.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Dr. Beth B. and Jeffrey N. Cohen, ensuring that it will be a night of exceptional music that celebrates the best of stage and screen. Don't miss your chance to be part of this musical journey at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, located at 14 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA.

John Pizzarelli Trio Stage & Screen

Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, began his musical studies at an early age with Alla Epelbaum at the Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula. He later enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens before attending The Juilliard School, where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He later pursued further education in Christian Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Pianist

Isaiah J. Thompson

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 25, 2026

Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet · Monterey Jazz Festival

Past events

Jul 11, 2026

Isaiah J. Thompson Trio · Maverick Concerts

Dec 5, 2025

Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet: A Guaraldi Holiday · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

About

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